Reader Question: Stylish Flats for Hammertoes

Have you any recommendations for REALLY high hammertoes? A bunion, too, but that is a secondary problem. Does anyone manufacture a dressy flat with a mesh top, of the kind I treasure on my New Balance athletic shoes? Any help is most welcome!

I highly recommend Arcopedico footwear for hammertoes. Many of their styles feature a Lytech® upper which is a stretchy blend of Lycra® and polyurethane that is water resistant and breathable. I think your feet will also benefit from Arcopedico's twin arch outsole supporting both the longitudinal and metatarsal arches. The Arcopedico L14 is available for $89 at Zappos, free shipping both ways.

If you're looking for something a bit more stylish, but don't need arch support, consider the French Sole Sloop ballet flat. I have a pair and the leather upper is as soft as a house slipper; very forgiving of my hammertoes. $100 at Zappos, free shipping both ways.

If you have hammertoes and hard-to-fit feet, consider Munro American footwear. From size 4-14, extra narrow to extra wide, Munro has a size for you. Quite a few of their styles feature a stretch fabric upper to accommodate bunions and hammertoes, like the Traveler featured below. $170 at Zappos, free shipping both ways.

If you're not in the mood for sticker shock, I recommend the Aerosoles Mr. Softee casual flat. The super-soft leather upper is forgiving of both hammertoes and bunions. The outsole is flexible and shock-absorbing while the insole is cushioned. The Mr. Softee comes in over 10 colors, medium and wide widths. Available for $48.95 at Shoebuy, free shipping and returns.

I welcome suggestions to help our reader. Have you found a comfortable shoe that doesn't aggravate the hammertoes? Please leave a comment here or on our Facebook fan page.

FRENCH SOLE SLOOP ballet FLAT. Hammertoe needs a soft surface with no pressure. No problem with bunion but need lots of space on top of foot so there is no pressure top of foot. second toe flops over the large toe causing problem. Do you have anything that has no pressure forcing 2nd toe over the first.